Just Before Sunset in Trindade Brazil

Trindade Brazil

Dinner on the Streets of Paraty Brazil

Praia Tartaruga, Búzios

Praia de Ferradura, Búzios

Bluffs of Praia Ferradura, Búzios

Lunch at Arco de Teles with my family!

Blogging ability on the iPhone

Sorry I haven't been blogging much, I've not had the same motivation to as I did last year on the east coast, but also have had different internet access. I just downloaded a blogging iPhone app so maybe I'll be blogging a bit more now. We will see.

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

This somewhat speaks for itself, but I visited Cristo Redentor today, the Christ the Redeemer Statue that overlooks nearly all of Rio.  It's the iconic figure of Rio, and it was incredible.  I felt very much like a tourist and enjoyed every second of it.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (Wikipedia)

A Convenient Truth: Urban Solutions from Curitiba, Brazil

músicos em uma feira em Curitiba.

Feria na Curitiba.  These were some guys playing at a great fair in Curitiba.

Still figuring out the lay of the Cidade Marvilihosa!

So, I'm not as keen on writing a lot of blog posts as some of my previous trips.  I think this is mostly because of the challenges I've had in really feeling comfortable in a major city where I am struggling to speak the local language.  In the book I read this summer "The Triumph of the City" by Ed Gleaser, he discusses one of the greatest reasons why cities exist and thrive, and people thrive within them is the ability to connect people and exchange ideas, customs, experiences and more.  However, when I am unable to engage fully in that exchange of life, it is more than discomforting.  I experience anxiety, fear, confusion, embarrassment and other self-critical emotions. So, there is much to this city that I have yet to see and experience, and I think there is a direct correlation with my ability to enjoy my new environment and my ability to communicate and engage in the exchange of communication.  That will come with time.

Rio is an incredibly beautiful place. Yesterday we went to Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), is is a natural reserve park that surrounds the south eastern edge of Pão de Azucar (Sugar Loaf).  It was a 20 minute walk from the city, but it was INCREDIBLE!  20 minutes walk from an incredibly bustling city and we were in complete serenity with only the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the monkey's running around.  It was awesome, unfortunately I didn't not have my camera with me, but I will return and put up photos.  There are many beautiful topographical features in this city, and when folks who live here take me, it is a great way to experience the beauty that is all around.

I am traveling to Curitiba Brazil this weekend, one of the great urban planning successes of Brazil and a model for many other countries of the world.  A friend who lives in São Paulo but is from Curitiba, her birthday was this week and her parents are throwing her a party and she invited me to come as well.

More updates to come later, I'll put more photos on Shutterfly as well.  http://onlyadreaminrio.shutterfly.com

Tchau!
Beijos!
D

Vou em uma caminhada - I'm going on a hike.

Today the Intercâmbio/Erasmus group is going on a hike to Pedra Bonita, one of the many rock formation/mountains that jut straight up in the middle of Rio.  Here's a link to some photos, I'll have some of my own later!
http://www.pbase.com/wcmaguiar/pedra_bonita_rj

Not being confident in the local language is a big hurdle to feeling completely comfortable in this city.  When ever someone comes near me as if they're going to ask me something, I shudder inside because I fear that I will not be able to respond.  This is foreign territory for my talkative instincts. GAHHH! Maybe Brazilian cartoons will help me learn the language, right?!

Well, I suppose we learn from mistakes, its just that mistakes aren't fun.

ate logo!
abraços!